Bangkok

A Cultural History

Maryvelma O'Neil

In this vibrant cultural history, Maryvelma O'Neil takes us on an engaging tour of Bangkok, revealing the rich ancient heritage of this fascinating city. The capital of the Kingdom of Thailand, Bangkok stands out as a place of extraordinary allure. Beginning as a floating city in a lush tropical setting, known to foreigners as the "Venice of the East," its majestic Grand Palace and glittering Buddhist temples today compete with chimneystacks and a jungle of skyscrapers. O'Neil illuminates a city rich in art, history, royal ceremony, and tradition and she uncovers fascinating pockets of traditional indigenous life and places of intense beauty hidden in Bangkok's labyrinthine lanes and alleys.

Bangkok

A Cultural History

Maryvelma O'Neil

Description

In this vibrant cultural history, Maryvelma O'Neil takes us on an engaging tour of Bangkok, revealing the rich ancient heritage of this fascinating city. The capital of the Kingdom of Thailand, Bangkok stands out as a place of extraordinary allure. Beginning as a floating city in a lush tropical setting, known to foreigners as the "Venice of the East," its majestic Grand Palace and glittering Buddhist temples today compete with chimneystacks and a jungle of skyscrapers. O'Neil illuminates a city rich in art, history, royal ceremony, and tradition and she uncovers fascinating pockets of traditional indigenous life and places of intense beauty hidden in Bangkok's labyrinthine lanes and alleys.

Bangkok

A Cultural History

Maryvelma O'Neil

Table of Contents

Introduction First ImpressionsRattanokosin/Sino-Siamese CityCity in Transition/Europeanizing CityMiniature Democracy/Last Absolute MonarchLong Era of the Dictators/A Royal TragedyAmerican Plans/ThaithanicSex in the City/Post-Modern CityChapter One: City of Kings Sukhothai and AyutthayaGrand PalaceThe River of KingsKlongs of ThonburiRajadamnern (Royal Walk)Chapter Two: City of Temples and Shrines Wat ArunWat PhoGolden Mount and Wat SaketErawan ShrineChapter Three: City of Missionaries and Merchants SamphengNew RoadStrangers in a Strange LandOriental HotelChapter Four: City of Legends Silpa Bhirasri Memorial GalleryJim
Thompson Museum HouseM.R. Kukrit Pramoj Heritage Home